Yes, that’s right. As we speak, jets are ferrying the new ProTour teams to lovely South Australia. Pedals will be turned in anger for the first time in 2007. I’ll pause a moment for you to catch your breath……

OK, well, the Tour Down Under which lost it’s corporate title sponsor of the last few years, Jacob’s Creek. Regardless, it is moving forward with an impressive lineup of teams. Ag2R, CSC, Predictor-Lotto, Credit Agricole, Milram, Boygues Telecom, Unibet, Chocolade Jacques, (my hometown) Navigators, Barloworld, and Agritubel.

These boys will mix it up with three national teams from South Australia, Australia, and New Zealand. With so many Aussies in the Protour, it is guaranteed to be a great show! Of the 112 strong field, 20 competed at the 2006 Tour de France including locals Stuart O’Grady, Robbie McEwen and Simon Gerrans who is the defending Tour Down Under champion.

The Tour Down Under starts on January 16th and proceeds through Adelaide for 5 stages before culminating on January 21st. Live coverage will be provided on their website. I know about the time difference but if they can stay up to see the America’s Cup when it was up here, I can stay up when we race down there. The website is well done and full of information. I feel the rush!